Why do I need a patch test?
There is no argument that we all love colouring our hair and using Davines colour but… it is still a chemical and it is really important you get a patch test done to make sure you don’t have a reaction.
A patch test is a quick and simple way to make sure your skin is happy before your colour appointment. It’s an essential safety step, and we won’t be able to carry out your colour service without one.
There are two ways you can complete your patch test with us: in-salon or at home.
Take a look below to see which option suits you best.
The Manual Patch Test (In-salon option)
This is our in-salon patch test. A small amount of colour is applied just behind your ear to check for any reaction.
When should I get it done?
Your patch test must be completed at least 3 days before your appointment, and no more than 7 days before.
Example:
If your appointment is on a Saturday, you can come in anytime from the Saturday before up to the Wednesday before.
Once completed, your patch test is valid for 6 months.
Things to keep in mind:
- All salons are closed on Sundays
- Only our Brixton and Herne Hill locations are open on Mondays
This option is perfect if you’re local and happy to pop into the salon.
The ‘ColourStart’ Passport (At-home option)
The ColourStart Passport is a convenient, one-time patch test you can do at home. It costs £15.
You can order it through our website for home delivery or pick one up in any of our salons.
Why choose ColourStart?
- You only need to do it once
- No need to visit the salon before each colour appointment
- Quick, easy, and done in your own time
- Perfect if you don’t live locally and you’re not able to pop in
Can I use the ColourStart Passport?
If any of the following apply we recommend doing our manual patch test:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Know/suspect you’re allergic to PPD or PTD
- Have active dermatitis on your skin (eg. Redness, swelling, itching)
- Have previously experienced an allergy to hair colourant
- Taking oral or topical steroids or immunosuppressant medicine
When should I get it done?
The ColourStart Passport takes around 5 days to complete once it arrives. Please allow 3–5 working days for delivery, plus 5 days to complete the test, before your colour appointment.
Once completed, your results are stored digitally, so we can check your status before your appointment.
If you’ve already completed your ColourStart Passport, you’ll just need to renew it before each colour appointment by updating your questionnaire. You can log in to your account anytime to check your status.
ColourStart Patch Test Guide
Step 1 – Can you use it?
Check with our Patch test flow diagram to see if you can use the ColourStart patch test.
Do you have time before your appointment?
Check whether your appointment is more than 5 days away, if not you will have to do our two day manual patch test at one of our salons.
Step 2 – Purchase
The patch is a one off payment of £15.
Purchase here or come into any of our salons and ask our receptionists to purchase a ColourStart patch test.
Step 3 – Register
Once you have purchased your patch test you need to register and make an account with ColourStart via their website: app.colourstart.com/customer/
Once you have made an account it will ask you to:
1. Find Your Hair Professional
This will be Myla and Davis, Railton Road (this address applies to all of our salons)
2. Take Screening Questionnaire
This will just confirm that you are able to use the patch test.
3. Use ColourStart Patch Test
Click ‘I have my patch test’ and record your ‘batch number’ found on the back of the packet and proceed with the ColourStart instructions on your account.
Step 4 – Apply test
1. Stick your patch test on
2. Snap a picture
3. Upload it to your account
4. Remove patch test after 48 hours when you receive the ColourStart notification (2 days)
5. Upload a picture of the test area after 96 hours, when you receive the ColourStart notification (4 days)
Step 5 – Complete
If no reaction occurs your appointment can go ahead as planned. If any of the reactions described in the instructions occur, your appointment cannot go ahead.
For more information on the ColourStart patch test and process please see the ColourStart website, or alternatively get in touch with a member of the Myla and Davis team.
Once you have completed the steps outlined above, you will receive a ColourStart Passport and can book colour appointments without any further testing (except for where your medical circumstances change). We hope that this will, ultimately, make colour bookings easier in the long run.
How to use Colour Start at home
Allergy Test Policy Change
The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) guidance on patch-testing has changed. Unfortunately, this means that we now must ask all customers to complete a one-off ColourStart Passport at least 5 days before their appointment.
We have been informed by our insurers that all colour clients will now be required to undertake the new screening and patch-test process ahead of any colour service at Myla and Davis. This includes those who have been tested previously.
The new patch-tests need only be taken once, unless your medical circumstances change; pregnancy or certain illnesses, for example. For more information here.